Mr. Gresham to Mr.
Terrell.
Department of State,
Department
of State
,
January 6,
1894
.
No. 119.]
Sir: Your No. 1291 of 11th ultimo, and the copy therewith, have
been received. It appears that Adam Aivazian, a naturalized American, is
now in prison at Yozgad, on suspicion of conspiracy against the Turkish
Government. He states that he resided ten years in this country, and
about 1891–’92 went to Turkey on business, intending to return to
America.
The case seems an especially hard one, as this man appears to intend
honestly to conserve his American status by closing up his interests in
Turkey and settling in California for life.
If there are charges against him, it would seem that he should be
confronted with them and given a chance to make his defense. Prolonged
imprisonment seems an unnecessary hardship, against which you can
rightly protest.
I am, etc.,
Mr. Terrell to
Mr. Gresham.
Legation of the United States,
Legation of the United
States
,
January 27,
1894
. (Received Feb. 14.)
No. 169.]
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt of your No. 119 of the 6th instant, regarding the case of
Adam Aivazian, confined at Yozgad in prison. Considerations of
policy have restrained me from prompt action in this case, as in
that of the parties at Alexandretta,2 who, though naturalized and charged with no
crime, are refused permission to return to their homes in the United
States. * * *
I have been awaiting the slow action of the Porte, which would act
favorably, but can not. The report to the grand vizier from Yozgad
is that the man there is confined for assisting the escape of
revolutionists, and has never claimed protection as an American
citizen. That, I think, I understand; he is prevented by fear. If I
can be furnished with a letter to the governor permitting my
secretary to see the man I will send him to know the facts.
[Page 766]
Unless my interview at the Porte is more satisfactory than I expect I
will telegraph you to-morrow. A careful study of the situation
convinces me that concessions, even when required by justice (as in
the exclusion of returning Armenians), are only followed by fresh
exactions.
* * * * * * *
I have, etc.,